In recent weeks, the Hindu community in Canada has come under increased pressure due to targeted acts of violence and vandalism. The most recent incident at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton has led to widespread outrage and condemnation, both in Canada and India.
The attack on one of Canada’s largest Hindu temples has sparked debates about the safety and security of religious minorities in the country and the role of Khalistani extremism in fueling these tensions.
Growing Concerns Over Safety: Hindu Community Rallies in Protest
The attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Ontario, by Khalistani extremists has sent shockwaves through the Canadian Hindu community. The temple, which stands as one of Canada’s largest and most significant religious institutions, was vandalized during the Diwali weekend, a sacred period for Hindus.
This act of aggression did not stand alone—several Hindu devotees were physically attacked by individuals carrying Khalistani flags. These extremists, advocating for the separatist cause of Khalistan, a movement seeking the creation of a separate Sikh state in India, have increasingly targeted Hindu institutions in Canada, with this incident marking an escalation in hostilities.
In response to these attacks, over a thousand Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir on a Tuesday in November to protest. Organized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), the protest drew participants from across Ontario, including major cities like Toronto, Mississauga, and Ottawa.
Read : Khalistani Separatist Attack on the Hindu Sabha Temple in Canada
The protestors, holding placards and chanting slogans, voiced their frustration at the rising wave of Hinduphobia in Canada and the perceived lack of action from the authorities to address these incidents. The protest remained peaceful, with demonstrators calling for increased safety measures for religious institutions and the prosecution of those responsible for these violent attacks.
Just now: People are gathering at the front of Hindu Sabha Mandir to condemn the brutality of Canadian Police and Khalistani extremists.#HindusUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/k7caNHkCjJ
— Ronit Bhatia 🇮🇳 (@theronitbhatia) November 4, 2024
This protest is indicative of a growing sense of vulnerability among Canadian Hindus. With attacks on temples becoming more frequent, particularly around sacred events like Diwali, there is increasing anxiety within the community about their safety.
The vandalism and violence perpetrated by Khalistani extremists have left many Hindus feeling targeted, not only for their religious beliefs but also for their cultural and national identity. CoHNA, in their rallying cry, urged Canadian politicians and law enforcement agencies to stop supporting extremist groups and to take decisive action against those promoting hate and violence.
The Political Implications: Khalistani Extremism and Rising Tensions
The rise of Khalistani extremism in Canada has become a highly contentious political issue, both domestically and internationally.
Khalistan, a separatist movement that seeks the creation of an independent Sikh state in India’s Punjab region, has found significant support in pockets of the Sikh diaspora in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, this support is not without its challenges, particularly when it leads to violent extremism, as witnessed in the attack on the Brampton temple.
In Canada, Khalistani extremism has complicated the country’s internal politics, especially as political leaders attempt to balance the needs of their diverse constituencies. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with opposition leaders like Pierre Poilievre, condemned the attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir and called for peace and unity among Canada’s religious communities.
Trudeau, who has long been criticized for his alleged leniency toward Khalistani supporters, faces increasing pressure to take a harder stance against extremists. His government’s relationship with the Sikh community is nuanced; while many Sikhs in Canada do not support the Khalistani cause, the small faction that does has been vocal and, at times, aggressive in its actions.
The attack on the temple has drawn sharp criticism from Indian officials as well. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed India’s concerns about the growing attacks on Hindu institutions abroad, calling the incident “deeply concerning.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs further condemned the violence and called for those responsible to be prosecuted, underscoring the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations while addressing the safety concerns of Indian diaspora communities.
Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently taken a firm stand against Khalistani extremism, condemned the attack, calling it a “deliberate act” of violence.
Modi’s government has long urged Canada to take stricter action against pro-Khalistan groups that operate within its borders, accusing these groups of inciting violence and promoting anti-India sentiments. The attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir has added to this diplomatic tension, with India urging Canada to ensure the safety of its citizens and their places of worship.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya, one of the few politicians of Indian origin in the Canadian Parliament, also expressed his alarm over the attack. In his statement, Arya noted that a “red line has been crossed” by Khalistani extremists and called on the Canadian government to address the rise of violent extremism.
Arya’s comments reflect the growing frustration within Canada’s Hindu and Indian communities, many of whom feel that their concerns are not being adequately addressed by the political establishment.
Hinduphobia and the Call for Action
The attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir and the subsequent protest in Brampton highlight a larger issue of rising Hinduphobia in Canada. This term, which refers to prejudice and discrimination against Hindus, has gained prominence in recent years as Hindu communities across the world report increasing instances of hostility, both verbal and physical, against their beliefs, practices, and institutions.
In Canada, where multiculturalism is a core value, the rise of Hinduphobia is seen as particularly troubling, as it undermines the country’s commitment to religious tolerance and diversity.
CoHNA, the organization that spearheaded the Brampton protest, has been vocal in its condemnation of Hinduphobia and has called on Canadian authorities to address the root causes of this prejudice.
The group has pointed out that many of the attacks on Hindu temples coincide with important religious events, such as Diwali, indicating a deliberate attempt to target Hindus during moments of cultural and spiritual significance.
CoHNA’s leaders have emphasized the need for a national conversation on religious tolerance and have urged politicians to refrain from supporting extremist groups that promote division and hate.
The protesters in Brampton echoed these concerns, demanding that Canadian law enforcement agencies take a stronger stance against Khalistani extremists and other groups that seek to harm the Hindu community.
The demonstrators also called on Canadian politicians to distance themselves from Khalistani supporters, some of whom have been accused of using violent rhetoric and inciting attacks on Hindu institutions.
While the protest remained peaceful, the underlying message was clear: the Hindu community in Canada is no longer willing to remain silent in the face of rising violence and prejudice.
In addition to political and legal action, many within the Hindu community have called for greater unity and solidarity among religious groups. In a country as diverse as Canada, they argue, religious communities must come together to reject extremism in all its forms. The attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir is not just a Hindu issue, they contend, but a threat to the peace and harmony of Canadian society as a whole.
The protest against the Khalistani attack on the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton marks a pivotal moment for the Hindu community in Canada. Faced with increasing violence and Hinduphobia, Canadian Hindus have come together to demand safety, accountability, and justice.
The attack has also highlighted the broader political and social tensions surrounding Khalistani extremism and the role it plays in Canada’s multicultural landscape. As calls for action grow louder, both Canadian and Indian authorities will need to work together to ensure the safety of religious minorities and to preserve the values of tolerance and respect that are central to Canada’s identity.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏